Norwich Christian project listens to young people
 A Norwich Christian youth project has set up a forum to listen and respond to young people's feedback about their work - and they have found it is paying dividends in building a strong presence in the East Norwich community.
For the last couple of years ENYP has run a Young People’s Forum (YPF). The Forum provides the opportunity for young people to get more involved with the future development of ENYP by contributing their ideas and feedback.
The YPF has been restructured so every activity organised by ENYP has two representatives who are the spokespeople at the Forum on behalf of their group.
Danny Doran-Smith, Director of ENYP, says: "The aim is to be constantly in touch with what children and young people want and expect from the groups they attend. It will also empower and equip the children and young people as they realise their importance and significance in ENYP”.
Older members to become more actively involved in the project by volunteering their time, energy and skills at different groups and activities. The Forum is now made up of around 50 children and young people, from the age of 5 – 21 years old.
Kate Doran-Smith, ENYP Youth Worker and Coordinator of the Young People’s Forum, says “The Forum combines an equal amount of educational and social sessions to those who attend, it also gives the chance to meet with others to build relationships, trust and confidence. Many of those that attend already volunteer for ENYP and give their time and energy back to their local community, through a range of clubs and activities provided by ENYP”.
The young people’s forum has been set up to give the young people, who are already involved in various ENYP activities, a chance to have their say about what they like or dislike about ENYP activities, and what ideas they have about the future of ENYP and the activities they attend.
Here’s what some of the children and young people say about the Forum...
 “I like the way you get treated like an adult, and the team are always keen to hear your opinions. It makes me feel good to be involved because I feel like I have a say in everything that goes on and when everyone likes your ideas and thinks they are good”.
“I got involved in the forum because some people I hang around with went to it and I thought I’d join in. I like the way it’s so friendly, I get on with everyone there and it’s just really welcoming. It makes me feel involved because I’m a ‘young’ leader where I have responsibilities, but everyone has the opportunity to join in. I’ve learnt a lot and had a lot of fun too!”
The Forum now meets on a monthly basis at Witard Road Baptist Church.
For more information about the ENYP’s Young Peoples Forum, please contact ENYP Youth Worker and Forum Co Coordinator: Kate Doran-Smith kdoransmith@enyp.org.uk. Further information about ENYP can be found on the website www.enyp.org.uk | 